Maclean’s said it gathered data in 145 communities across Canada and compared them in categories including wealth and economy, affordability, population growth, taxes, commute, crime, weather, health care, amenities and culture.

The rankings list the top features in each city that made the list. In Oak Bay, a low crime index rating ranked first, followed by culture and community. Colwood’s top feature was taxes, followed by commute.

“Many intangible things that determine quality of life can’t be quantified and measured, but a lot of tangible things can be,” the organization stated in its rationale. “We make categories we think are most important to average people worth the most points.”

Points are assigned on a curve and ranked against one another to make a list. Communities listed in the ranking are based on census subdivision boundaries and generally refer to towns or cities with their own mayor.

North Saanich also made the list, taking the 26th spot. Central Saanich came in 29th and Saanich in 32nd. Langford made spot number 38, Sidney came in 40th and Victoria was way down the list in 121st place.

Burlington, Ont. was ranked first, with amenities and crime cited as top features.